. monthly favorites – november 2012 .

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittensBright copper kettles and warm woolen mittensBrown paper packages tied up with stringsThese are a few of my favorite things

Please tell me you remember that song(which is now stuck in my head) from The Sound of Music, because it’s seriously hard to be in a funk after listening to it. I really do hope that no one’s finding themselves in a funky mood today, though- it’s Friday, the weekend is here, and life is pretty darn good. I’ve had people ask me if I’m always in a ridiculously annoying good mood, and the answer is no – I definitely have funks that nothing but sleep (and possibly sugar) seem to fix, but constantly making an effort to see the good in every day has been making a huge difference in my mood… as have movies like the one I went to see last night…

Why yes, I’m 27 (am I seriously?!) and still go see Disney movies in the theater – if you don’t, then I highly suggest that you start. It may be the closet gamer or little kid in me, but this was seriously one of the best feel-good movies that I’ve seen in quite some time – the kind of movie where you walk out of the theater feeling all warm and fuzzy inside, and who doesn’t love that? Possibly the kind of people who don’t love puppies either… eep!

And speaking of love (was that one of the longest intros or what?), it’s the end of the month and that means it’s time for another monthly favorites post! I actually had a little bit of trouble coming up with a list for this past month because I’ve been loyally [read: lazily/habitually] sticking to a lot of the same things, but that just means those things are fantastic, right? Right.

. – . – . – .

. Food Favorites .

I know it’s freezing outside, and I know I should be craving big bowls of comfort food, but in all honesty… I can’t seem to get enough fruit, more specifically, watermelon (yes, the addiction is still going strong)…

… and chunky homemade applesauce…

I’ve had a few people ask me for the recipe that I use to make my applesauce, and it’s seriously so simple that I feel funny calling it a recipe, but here’s what I do:

Peel desired amount of apples (I use around 10) and cut them into very thin slices.

Place sliced apples into a pot with enough water to cover the bottom, cover with a lid, and cook on medium-low heat until desired softness is reached (usually about an hour). Make sure to stir occasionally.

Transfer to a sealed container and store in fridge. The applesauce thickens the longer it sits, but it’s pretty darn delicious when it’s fresh too.

Easy peasy, right? Thankfully yes, especially because the time I’ve been spending in the kitchen has been pretty limited lately, and lots of meals have been accompanied by these Nature’s Path Maple Cinnamon Waffles…

You’d be surprised what kind of meals you can come up with with those 3 ingredients. Don’t judge me. And, of course, I couldn’t end the foodie favorites without mentioning the holiday cups from Starbucks…

Squee! And they’re even better when they have a cappuccino in them. Trust 😉

. – . – . – .

. Beauty Favorites .

This month has been all trying to keep winter from killing my hair and skin. Enter LUSH solid shampoos…

… more specifically NEW! and Godiva. These are seriously the best shampoos that I’ve ever used – they always leave my hair feeling clean, light, soft, and hydrated. And for a little extra hydration, I’ve been using Moroccan Oil Light Treatment after my showers, which has seriously made a huge difference in the health of my ends.

For skin, I’ve found myself gravitating towards Victoria’s Secret this month, and it’s pretty much 100% due to the fact that they smell so darn delicious.

Funny story. I picked up this particular cream while I was in Vegas over the summer and the employee who sold it to me was a guy in full on drag. Ahh good old Sin City – never fails to amuse.

. – . – . – .

. Fitness Favorites .

This month has been kind of rough in terms of fitness. It’s gotten too cold to walk outside so I’ve had to resort to using the treadmill and… let’s just say that’s more of a mental workout than a physical one. Still, I’ve been managing to get some other pretty enjoyable workouts in like:

I haven’t really picked up any new books this month – instead, I’ve been going back to a lot of the classics. I read through Candide and Faust a little while ago, and now I’m working my way through Don Quixote…

… for maybe the third time? I mean, a book about a man so unimpressed by reality that he chooses to act out the kind of fantasy life that he reads about in his books? Perfect. Not that I can relate or anything 😯

. – . – . – .

Do you crave cold fruit even in the winter months?
What have you been reading lately?
Any fun plans for the weekend?

Reader Interactions

Comments

Mmmm, I don’t crave fruit perse…but I crave froyo no matter the temp haha…pair it with some hot tea and I’m good to go! Reading wise, I’m halfway through The Happiness Project and then I have Silver Linings Playbook (I loved the movie)…but you intrigue me with the books you mentioned here…I may just have to add them to my list And I LOVE Disney movies…I’m not sure how I missed this one, but I shall rectify that as soon as I can!

I love you and your blog so much! Haha That sounds creepy but seriously, you always say exactly what I’m thinking. I am definitely going to try your applesauce recipe tomorrow! Do you have to chop the apples into pieces or just slice them? I always love seeing what you’re reading. One day I couldn’t decide what to read and I remembered you posted a picture of books that you were into… so I am reading The Alchemist! I love your “workouts”. Thank you so so much for not posting things like, “Strength training was brutal! Totally lifted seven times my weight today!” because I feel like I am seeing that everywhere. Really though, laughing, walking, spontaneous dancing, and everyday activities is plenty of exercise! This is going to sound creepy too but a few of your posts have been so inspiring that I printed them out and showed my parents. My mom was like, “Oh, I like her!” When she first found out I read “health” blogs she was a little weary because of my history with ED but when I showed her how and what you write, she was relieved. Anyways, I’ll stop being a creeper. Just thought I’d drop a note to tell you how awesome you are

Awwwr gush. Your comment totally put a huge smile on my face Alyssa. Actually, I’m sitting in the middle of Starbucks at the moment and people are probably wondering what the heck my goofball smile is all about. Thank you for that 😀

As for the apples, I peel them, slice them into quarters, cut the core out, and then go on to slice them thinly from there. Hope you like the applesauce!

Wow can’t believe another month has passed! Yaaaah for December!!
I always crave fruit – my favorites are strawberries, blueberries and blackberries – it’s just too bad that they are Soooo expensive this time of year!
I just started reading the “Hunger Games” – yah I know I guess I’m a bit behind everyone else – I feel like I am the only person who hasn’t read the entire series.
Hope you have a relaxing weekend- and thanks for sharing the applesauce recipe – ill be sure to try it this weekend!

GIGGLE no but really. I feel you on finding the random acts of movement, like cutting paper snowflakes for a work event until my fingers hurt (scissors are crazy!), laughing at your text and myself for doing silly stuff like (I swear I am 22 years old) and having to glare a lot at slow walkers (hello eye workout). And was that even a question if I remember that song? I mean come on, classic! I lived for that movie. I haven’t seen a cartoon or heartfelt movie like that in theaters in a while – I do highly recommend the last one I saw in theaters which made me just melt Brave. Go see it, especially if you need some inspiration. Made me love my mom even more. I also am slightly, ok more than slightly jealous of that watermelon. I can’t find any near me and it makes me cry. Do people not realize I need watermelon year round? When I am home for xmas I will be sure to find one ( thank you parents stocking the fridge – this broke girl got nothing). When I was home I did make my own baked apples with just seasonings on them, it was basically like chunky applesauce. So darn good. Like heaven.

Whoa, so novel right here. I will stop before I write a full post on this.

I watched Brave with my mom and I was just barely managing to hold the tears back when my mom started to full out cry and I just lost it. Talk about heart melting. And when I come to visit you (it WILL happen), I’ll pack a watermelon in my suitcase 😉 Hopefully customs won’t give me too many problems.

I’m a psycho for cold stuff in the winter months too! Fruit, smoothies, cold chicken, ice cream, you name it! Maybe the contradiction makes them more delicious so we just can’t resist haha 😉
This weekend my plans are to sleep/hibernate to get ready for the onslaught of finals during the next two weeks! 😀

I want to make that apple sauce! I love crunchy apples, but in the winter the apple sauce will be perfect!! Animate movies are the bomb! Despicable Me? Best ever! Oh and I’m totally giving some of your workouts a try. I need to switch up my routine 😉

I definitely crave cold fruit in the winter months. I am obsessed with cantaloupe and have been really sad lately that it is not in season. Not in season = paying more money for a melon that is not as tasty as I’d prefer :(.

Ah, books are the perfect company, if you ask me. I just finished reading Sins of the Father by Jeffrey Archer and plan on burying my head into more books.

And I can’t hold myself from letting you know how I’d always raise an eyebrow (and giggle) when you mention eating applesauce and chicken together because girl, I’m seriously curious- what does it taste like?

It tastes like… appley chicken? Hehe I really don’t know how to describe it other than to say that it tastes really good, and it’s not as strange as you would imagine! People make apple/turkey/cheese sandwiches, and adding sweet fruits to pork dishes is pretty common. Seriously give it a try! You might like it 😀

Oh I totally crave fruit all year too. Strawberries for me! Pretty much a box a day…er….no good for my wallet but oh well. I also love Victoria’s Secret lotion/body spray stuff – VS Angel Heavenly is one of my “signature scents”….if a person can have a signature scent…lol.

Frozen grapes in the winter for sure. It’s delicious. I eat them by the happy handful. I almost can’t believe how simple your apple sauce is. It’s almost too simple NOT to try it. Plus, who doesn’t love a big bowl of applesauce? It reminds me of my sweet, innocent childhood. Speaking of childhood, I love that you still go see disney movies in theaters. I thought I was the only one… Some of my favorites that I’ve seen in theaters is The Incredibles, Finding Nemo, Despicable Me, Ratatouille, the list could go on and on!

If we lived closer, we could have a meal together: almond butter & chicken waffle sandwiches followed by applesauce & caps ;)! I know berries are a summer fruit but come snow or shine, I’ll take ’em! Hope your weekend is off to a great start! I have a workout, brunch with a friend, dentist appointment and aroma therapy massage on the cards for today…not too shabby!

Pssht, you don’t give yourself enough credit.
I mean, you’re always claiming lazyness in the kitchen, but chopping & peeling 10 apples is a lot of work! And all those watermelons you have to tackle.. hacking up those badboys could also fall under the fitness category I think. Works those guns.

And isn’t Godiva shampoo just awesome? Smells SO good, & is all cleansy & moisturising at the one time. Love.
I’ve been using Lush’s seasonal facial cleanser ‘ Let the Good Times Roll’ lately as well. Gives my face a nice gentle scrub, & smells like caramel popcorn- there are actual bits of popcorn in it! I <3 Lush:).
Xxx

Hehe but notice that things involving fruit are pretty much the only things I’m willing to put work into 😛 I’m not entirely sure what that says about me except that I need to start eating more ‘normal’ food? And Lush is seriously fantastic… I’ve been wanting to try their solid conditioners… have you ever given them a go?

Your love of fruit runs deep. Why fight it?
YES, I have actually tried Lush’s Jungle solid conditioner. Truthfully, not a fan, it was just too heavy for my hair I think. But I cannot recomend their ( liquid) conditioner American Cream enough! Seriously. Leaves my hair super soft, not greasy in the slightest,( which is essential if you’re not into washing your hair all that often, like myself), & smells like VANILLA STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE. Yuhu, so good:). Think its one of my all time Lush faves.
Xxx

Fun weekend plans? Well, are weekend classes in university fun ;)? But I’m not complaining because I’ll get to see the boy on Sunday :).

Now I want to see “Wreck-it Ralph”, too. Only I know for a fact the boy’s not going to be up for it. You don’t know how lucky you are :D.

As for books I’ve started “The Fault in our Stars” by John Green this week. I’m usually ambivalent about books that get rave reviews but this one isn’t bad so far. You’re really into the classics, right? Faust must have taken a long time to read, I guess?

Haha, 27??!! I am 7 years older than you and I still love Disney Movies. I even go and get them from the library once in a while and watch the good old ones like 101 dalmations or Lion King. And yes, I am also still craving cold food – I have my smoothies every day!! Happy weekend beauty!!

I LOVE your posts! This made me laugh & feel happy
I’m not such a big fruit eater in winter, I like hot food and drink!
The first thing I did this morning was put up my christmas tree, so exciting! Its freezing here today so I’m having a day in the warm and cooking pan fried salmon with roasted sweet potato, squash, broccoli, tomato & onion. Delicious. Have a great weekend!

Even when I’m a oldie with grandkids or whatever, I expect to be watching Disney movies. They ARE THE BEST! And always will be
I definitely still crave cold fruit and salads and stuff in Winter. I just love the fresh taste and it’s okay when you eat them under a blanket 😉 Anddd you have totally made me want to make my own apple sauce now. Must do that this weekend
Love your fitness faves! Laughing definitely is a good ab work out!! xx

I love cold and crisp apples no matter what the weather. Pink Ladies are especially nice at the moment. I’d also love to give that applesauce recipe a go – it looks very much like the bottom of the apple crumbles of my childhood. I’d pick off all the crumble and then just eat the apple underneath.

I really need to read more – my last book was nowhere near as highbrow as your selections (Hell, I’m an English PhD student and I had no idea what Don Quixote was even about. I hang my head in shame) because my leisure reading tends to be very mindless (and I like it that way!) I read ‘The Secret of Crickley Hall’ by James Herbert – I definitely recommend his books for all horror fans. He’s like a softer and slightly more reflective Stephen King (though no-one will ever compare to King for me – he’s my favourite author!)

My week-end has so far involved cursing the ice on the roads, trying to run through it and slipping around a lot. I suspect tomorrow shall involve more of the same!

Hehe I’m exactly the same way when it comes to things like apple crumbles and pie – a lot of the time I end up picking off the crust and eating the apple filling first… and you’re right, this applesauce definitely feels like that

I feel like all your comfort foods are mine. Chicken, waffles, watermelon…nom Everything looks so good. I nearly peed my pants laughing at the convo between you and Alex. I haven’t been reading a lot lately, wish I had time but as of now I don’t. Though it could partially be because I hadn’t made a lot of time.

I will never stop watching Disney movies, and I will never be too old to squeal over Dland!! I want to see this movie soo bad! I actually tend to crave cold smoothies (with fruit) more in the winter than in the summer. Weird.

Moroccan oil has saved my hair! I love that stuff so much. I haven’t read Don Quixote yet, but have really wanted to. I think this may just be the book on my next to buy list! Almond butter and chicken is a surprisingly good combo! I love those little kid movies too:) I’m a 6 year old at heart. I can’t wait for all the Christmas movies to play ha.

Literally listened to that Sound of Music song at work yesterday. Because it came up on Pandora…I was listening to the Disney station. And yes, I’m 26 years-old, so I’m right there with ya! Haha..you’re never too old for Disney though, seriously. I just put a ton of books on my “wish list” for Christmas this year. Gone Girl is one of them (everyone’s been reading it lately so I’m curious), as well as some random memoirs that my friend recommended. Love reading, especially this time of year!

Watermellon is good all year round for definite! I’m still eating my salads…I occasionally add some hot roasted veg but they’re just such easy meals it’s hard to change!
I’ve been reading the Game of Thrones series…I’m in the fifth one and they’re huge! Feels like I’ve been reading them forever. They’re very addictive though, and I love the TV series so it’s all good.

Hehe yeah it took me a good chunk of time to get through them as well, especially because the names, alliances, and minor details get sooooo hard to keep track of. I have to say that that series drove me crazy at points… he kept killing off some of my favorite characters!

I love Disney movies too so I’m definitely not judging! 😉 I plan on seeing that movie as soon as I’m done exams!

And I crave fruit all day, every day. Annnnd now you have me craving homemade applesauce. I haven’t made it in a while! It’s almost pointless to make it though because I can’t keep my spoon out of it, so I usually demolish it in two days! 😛

I love all those books you listed – especially Don Quixote! But lately the only reading I’ve been doing is research papers on food insecurity and obesity. They’re really interesting though so I don’t mind! <– nerd

mmm your chunky apple sauce looks delicious! – i need to try your method.
I strangely don’t really crave watermelon in the winter, but I think it’s because I wayy over eat it in the summer so I’m content until the spring.
And I just love your big strong bear hugs fitness favorite!

My Dad used to say that I was a cross between Peter Pan and Don Quixote. Not exactly the best compliment, but at least I have an imagination. 😉 Love the Sound of Music. Love the sound of Ralph (going to need to check it out, for sure). I bought golden melon at Costco yesterday inspired by your love of watermelon. It’s fabulous!! And without a doubt my favourite workouts of the month have been very similar to yours (especially after Friday night. haha).
Today is Dec. 2nd, which means that you spent yesterday putting up your decorations!! EEEeee!! I was thinking about you all day. 😀 You know what — no, we’re not always happy, but the happy times make up for the sad ones. And it’s a heckuva lot better than being sad all the time. I’ll take it.
Love ya, Spoons!! 😛

I am that crazy person that still has ice cold smoothies in the dead of winter so I do still crave cold fruit! I made some home made apple and cranberry sauce yesterday a bit like your apple sauce, so delicious!

I go through phases where I gravitate towards the classic books (Anna Karenina, Jane Austen, etc.). I think I may need to add Don Quixote to my list! And those shampoos…I must try them! I’m on the market for some good shampoos because my hair needs some lovin’! P.S. – I adore Disney movies too even to this day. There’s nothing like being transported back in time to your childhood for a few good hours to make a crappy day instantly better!

Pick me! Pick me! I’ll be your Disney movie theater-going partner! Oh, right. You didn’t ask. But just so you know, I make an entertaining third wheel. 😉 I had big plans to see Wreck It Ralph over Thanksgiving, but my family quickly shot them down. :'( Instead, we saw James Bond, which I’m not complaining about; it was just a very *different* type of fun (if you know what I mean). And since we’re talking about movies…The Sound of Music might be the only film that I know nearly every word to–including the songs. I grew up on that movie, and watched it at least once/week! It makes me feel just as warm inside today as it did 20-something years ago. 😀

I’m a Moroccan Oil devotee. My hair loves it and my wallet hates it. And yes, I most definitely crave fruit during the winter months! I splurged on fresh cut papaya and pineapple at Whole Foods the other day, and ate both containers within a 24-hour period. I must have been subconsciously trying to fool myself into thinking I’m not living in a frigid climate. Current books: anything and everything related to school (nutrition, psychology, behavior change theory…yuck). I’m so ready to move on to different topics/stories/imaginary lands! I’ve never read Don Quixote, but your description makes it sound quite intriguing!

Theres that homemade applesauce again, yum yum! These posts are so cute, lots to learn about you, and from the number of comments, other people love your posts too! Keep up the good work I have my post up on the marathon now if you want to read the trauma (thanks again for caring )